Health
There are many things you can do for your pet to make sure he or she remains in optimal health. Though you cannot prevent genetic disorders from affecting your pet, there are many problems you can prevent through lifestyle choices.
Obesity
Just as in humans, obesity is a huge problem in the pet world, particularly for cats and dogs. Over-feeding, improper diet, and lack of adequate exercise can all contribute to this problem. Being overweight is a problem in and of itself, but it can also lead to other health problems such as arthritis and diabetes. Your veterinarian can make specific recommendations for your pet, but in most cases, feeding a "light" or reduced fat and calorie food can be a good start.
Dogs should receive daily walks outside of your property and romps throughout the yard, if you have one. Cats need physical exercise too; and though most will not take a walk on a leash, you can bet they will swat at or pounce on a favorite toy or even chase a jingly ball. Furry mice and mylar crinkle balls tend to be favorites. It is important that you actively participate in your cat's exercise and play time to be sure he or she gets enough on a daily basis.
Parasites
Fleas, ticks, and worms can wreak havoc on your pet. A couple of fleas can quickly turn into a serious infestation. Large numbers of fleas can drain your pet's blood and if left alone can cause serious problems, including anemia. Fleas can transmit tapeworms as well.
Ticks can also be transmitters of diseases, including Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis (dog tick fever), and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, just to name a few. Dogsandticks.com has helpful information on the diseases ticks can transmit to pets and what signs of illness to look for.
Worms of many different types can cause problems for pets in many different parts of the body. Heartworms, tapeworms, roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms can all infest your pet if exposed to a source. Some of these can be transmitted from pets to humans.
All of these parasites can be treated and/or prevented. As a pet owner, you should talk to your veterinarian about what risks are in your area and what your preventative options are; you should also do some research on your own, particularly on flea and tick prevention. There are many types of flea and tick preventatives available on the market - some over-the-counter and some prescription - in the forms of pills, sprays, spot-ons, dips, shampoos, and collars. Some are more effective than others; and some are more dangerous.
It is important to keep in mind that most flea and tick preventatives contain pesticides; in other words, poisons. These poisons are absorbed through the skin, into your pet's bloodstream. In the case of the oral treatment, it is directly ingested. With the topical treatments, you also risk exposing any children in your household to the pesticides, just by touching your pet after the application. These pesticides have also proven to be toxic to fish and bees.
Unfortunately, it does not seem there are many alternatives to flea and tick treatments. There are some "natural" products available, but it is important to research these and talk to your veterinarian before using, as some of these products can be harmful to your pet in other ways; some products can cause allergic reactions. For a thorough list on different chemicals used in flea and tick preventatives and their effects on pets, please visit the Green Paws website and view their product guide.
There are also pesticide- and chemical-free ways to keep your pet flea-free: frequent bathing and combing and keeping your carpets and pet bedding clean! Most pets can tolerate bathing every other week. Some do get dry skin, however, so you may need to spread the baths out more. In addition, combing your pet with a flea comb several times a week will help detect and remove fleas. The Green Paws website also has detailed instructions on the combing and flea-removal process.
There are also preventatives or treatments available for the many types of worms. For example, there is a monthly pill dogs can take to prevent heartworms - ONLY if your dog has been confirmed heartworm free. If your dog has heartworm, there is a treatment process available. Again, it is important to seek veterinary assistance in determining if your pet has worms and deciding on appropriate treatment or prevention, where applicable.
It would be wise to have yearly fecal exams done for your pets to assure they are free of worms. There are also some symptoms you can keep an eye out for:
vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, "potbelly" appearance, weight loss, and some worms are visible in the feces.
Keep in mind the same symptoms could be signs of other illnesses. Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect your pet may be ill.
Cats - Indoor or Out?
There are many reasons why your cat should remain indoors and not be allowed out of doors. From predators to fatal diseases, there are many dangers in the outside world. Sure, they may enjoy chasing butterflies and pouncing on grasshoppers, but most homes have enough spiders and silverfish to satisfy that pouncing need.
Photos: Denis Defreyne,kaibara87, Liz Marie
A cat allowed outdoors may have to face other animals: other cats, dogs, coyotes, foxes, even bears. While some encounters may leave your cat unharmed or with just a few scratches, others may leave your pet fatally wounded or he may never return home.
There are also those man-made mechanical beasts that can pose a great threat. Countless cats and dogs fall victim to automobile collisions. Maybe that driver should not have been going so fast. But you have no control over that. You do, however, have control over whether you cat goes outside.
Photos: dalliedee,markhillary
Cats can also be victimized by viruses. And we are not talking about colds. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and FIV (the feline equivalent of HIV) are fatal viruses contracted through direct contact with an infected cat. They are not curable and prevention is questionable. There is a vaccine available for FeLV that is considered effective. There is also a newer vaccine available for FIV; however, it has only been tested on 3 of the 5 strains of FIV and is only 82% effective. In addition, because of the testing method used (presence of antibodies), cats vaccinated against FIV will always test positive for the virus. So until an alternate testing method is developed (presence of antigens), it will be impossible to differentiate between a cat that has FIV and one that has been vaccinated. The only way to be sure your cat is protected is to not allow him or her outside.
Neutering
There is absolutely no reason why any pet owner should not have their pets fixed. Neutering a pet can prolong his or her life! A pet that is not seeking out a mate is less likely to run off and thus less likely to be struck by a vehicle. In addition, spayed females have a greatly reduced risk of developing cancer in their reproductive tract, particularly the mammaries. Neutered males are also less likely to develop cancer in the reproductive tract and prostate. Neutered pets are also less likely to mark territory or be aggressive.
Photo: Photo Mojo
Many people have their excuses for not neutering: not wanting to destroy their pet's "manhood," the belief that the animal will become overweight, wanting their pet and/or children to experience the miracle of life, puppies and kittens and baby bunnies are sooo cute... but with the millions of animals in shelters throughout the United States, is it really fair to do this for yourself? Because that is what it is. Your pet will not notice the difference and will be just as happy and healthier if spayed or neutered.
Photo: Shmoomeema
Can neutering be costly? Yes. Fees vary greatly from vet to vet and state to state, but overall it can cost a fair amount of money. However, many animal shelters and advocacy organizations offer free or low-cost clinics or programs to assist with the cost. Plus, just think about the extra costs associated with a pregnant pet and the resulting babies; extra food, vaccinations, and vet visits will add up to far more than the cost of fixing your pet. When deciding upon getting a pet and determining if it is the right time for you financially, neutering should be factored into the equation.
Photo: killbox
The Declaw Debate
There is no debate here. Do not declaw. Declawing cats requires removal of the first joint on each finger - it is a form of mutilation. It is cruel and inhumane and unless it is absolutely neccessary for the cat's or a person's health, it should not be done.
To keep your cat from scratching furniture or people, one of the easiest things you can do is trim the claws every 1-2 weeks. They will be too blunt to cause any damage. If you find this task difficult, as many cats resist it, there are also deterrents you can purchase or nail caps that go on the cat's claws.
Cat with nail caps
photo: KCKoenig
A little time spent with training can go a long way. With the use of a spray bottle filled with water, you can help your cat learn what is acceptable to scratch on and what is not. Be sure your cat does not see you spraying her - you want her to associate the horrible water with her action, not with you. Providing her with a scratching post or cat tree will give her an appropriate place to scratch, for which you can reward her with a treat. A little bit of catnip sprinkled on top can help attract her to it if she seems uninterested.
photos: safetypinheart, Eirik Newth